What is Climate Change? Why Should You Care? And what Effect Does it have on Greenland Climate?

Climate change has been a hot topic (excuse the pun) since the Gore era. Did you know that 2016 was the hottest year on record? And…it doesn’t stop there! The previous record was held by 2015, and the one before that? 2014! Our planet has had record-breaking temperatures for the last three years in a row. This is an alarming statistic and a topic we have touched on before in our 10 tips for Greenland Travel article. But now, we have decided to create a short and concise article answering three important questions; what is climate change? What are the effects on Greenland Climate? And what can we do to help? The fourth question found in the title might be a no-brainer, but it’ll also be sewn into the upcoming answers.

What is climate change?

Climate is often described as the “average weather” in a location. In this case, our location is Planet Earth. The change has been detected within the last 60 years or so. Short-term variation in climate is quite normal. It is the long-term changes are cause for concern. Our Planet’s rising temperature comes from pollution. In other words, “rising levels of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere have warmed the Earth and are causing wide-ranging impacts, including rising sea levels; melting snow and ice; more extreme heat events, fires and drought; and more extreme storms, rainfall and floods.”1

What are the effects on Greenland Climate?

It’s no secret; we have a soft spot for Greenland. It is a country that we know and adore all too well. Apart from being one of Wildthentic’s many homes it is also one of the first places to feel the heavy brunt of climate change. As stated in previous articles, Greenland is special in more ways than one. But, one of Greenland’s most spectacular traits is that it is an island covered in an ice sheet. This characteristic gives the country a touristic advantage over others but a disadvantage as far as Greenland climate is concerned. According to an article written in theguardian, “The Greenland Ice Sheet is losing 110 million Olympic size swimming pools worth of water each year.” In short, Greenland is melting.

What can we do to help?

First, educate yourself. Congrats you’ve already begun this process while reading this article! If you’d like to continue reading about climate change we suggest you visit the NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. Second, travel. Travel to the places you’ve dreamed of while you still have the chance. Create memories and witness the magnificence of a country that might not be here in the future. Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord while you still can! Or go see the Northern Lights while snowmobiling over a snowy terrain! Lastly, and more importantly read this; 9 Things You Can Do About Climate Change.

We know there is a lot of reading and work to be done. We feel the same way and are all in this together. Whether your goal is to help slow the effects on Greenland climate or help secure a better future for your children and or grandchildren we simply ask that you spread the word. We also thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope to see you again next week. Please leave your comments below, until next time!